‘Big summer ahead’ for Derek McInnes at Kilmarnock after promotion
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes is eyeing a period of stability for the club after clinching promotion at the first time of asking.
Killie sealed the cinch Championship trophy on Friday night with a 2-1 win over nearest challengers Arbroath with Blair Alston’s last-minute winner ensuring the title race did not go down to the last game.
Killie were fifth when former Aberdeen manager McInnes took over in January but a seventh consecutive home win saw them over the line in front of 11,500 fans and three sold-out home stands at Rugby Park.
McInnes said: “We’ve got a big summer ahead but these things can wait. I’m delighted for the chairman Billy (Bowie), Phyllis (McLeish) and Cathy (Jamieson).
“I felt a good connection as soon as I spoke to them and there’s a lot of good people at this club.
“I’m now the fourth manager since Steve (Clarke) left (in 2019) and that brings its complications.
“The club needs a bit of stability and we will make sure that we are the best version of our club going into next season in the Premiership.”
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McInnes vowed to soak up the title success before focusing on those rebuilding plans and arranged a gathering with his players on Sunday to “celebrate properly”.
“It is important to celebrate these days as football is tough at times – injuries, relegations, and players worrying about contracts,” he said.
“So when the good times come, you’ve got to enjoy them.
“It’s something that I have been guilty of, not celebrating the success I’ve had as much as I should, but I’ll certainly enjoy this one.”
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